| Viewpoint from the Editor |

Resolving to change for the better

Jane Shuman, COT, COE, OCS, Co-Editor

Many resolutions are made at the start of a new calendar year. Yet according to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, only 8% of people who make resolutions Jan. 1 are successful in reaching their goal. If you still incorporate your resolutions into your everyday lifestyle, congratulations. You are part of the minority. Many of these self-promised challenges involve changing behaviors, such as losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, or improving your work performance.

We cannot help you with the first three goals, but we strive to help you achieve the last one. Although your interests may be different from your coworkers, our goal is to share what your colleagues have accomplished in providing quality care to their patients across all spectrums of eye care.

In this issue

In our cover story, the staff at Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island shares their comprehensive approach to managing the care of their diabetic patients. With the growing number of diabetics reaching epidemic proportions, this is no easy task. Although Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month is in November, it is never too early to plan your launch of a similar program.

In the clinical sections, the corneal team from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute provides our readers with those elements that may comprise a corneal workup. Also, Timothy J. Bennett, CRA, OCT-C, FOPS, explains how staff members can take advantage of new opportunities in the ophthalmic practice by adding new skills in photography and imaging.

Are you able to answer the most frequently asked questions about cataract surgery, or do you find someone else to respond? Apryl McElheny, RN, BSN, CASC, addresses this topic in order to set correct patient expectations prior to surgery.

Social butterflies

We do have a favor to ask of you. If you enjoy reading your issues of Ophthalmic Professional, we invite you to please “like us” on our new Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (@OphthalmicPro). And, if you have resolved to write an article this year, please submit it on our website (www.ophthalmicprofessional.com). OP

Ms. Shuman, president of Eyetechs, is a nationally recognized authority on clinical flow, scheduling and technician education. Prior to founding Eyetechs, she worked for over 15 years as an ophthalmic technician and clinical manager.